What does Esli mean and where does it come from?
Esli is a modern name that has gained popularity as a feminine variant of the biblical name Eli, which is well-known in Hebrew (אֵלי). Esli is seen in various cultures, including Latin America and the United States, where it's increasingly used. Despite its relatively recent emergence in popular nam
Cultural significance
Esli has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.
Peak popularity
Reached #4618 in 2000 — currently #4640 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Esli?
Esli works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Esli Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Esli Rose
Floral · soft ending
Esli Claire
French influence · crisp
Esli Jane
Literary · strong
Esli Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Esli right now?
Rising fast — up 5487 spots — currently #4640 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4640 | 22 | ▲ up 5487 · +214% births |
| 2022 | #10127 | 7 | ▲ up 1040 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #11167 | 6 | ▼ down 2612 · -50% births |
| 2020 | #8555 | 12 | ▼ down 364 · -14% births |
| 2015 | #8191 | 14 | ▲ up 1888 · +27% births |
| 2010 | #10079 | 11 | ▼ down 3677 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #6402 | 19 | ▼ down 1784 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #4618 | 26 | ▲ up 4023 · +160% births |
| 1995 | #8641 | 10 | ▼ down 197 |
| 1990 | #8444 | 10 | — |
The story of Esli
Esli is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 504 total births recorded, Esli remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8444 in 1990 to #4640 in 2023. Esli is used for both genders: 78% female and 22% male.
Names that peaked alongside Esli in 2000:
Esli by decade
Esli peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 142 | |
| 2000s ★ | 223 | |
| 2010s | 122 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Esli has only 504 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What names sound and feel like Esli?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esli also consider these
Common questions about the name Esli
What does the name Esli mean?
Esli means "Spanish" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Esli?
Esli is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Esli have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Esli?
Esli originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Esli?
Esli is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 S L IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Esli trending right now?
Esli is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.